Capercaillie gives rousing performance in King’s Lynn

A few months ago I had never heard of Scottish folk group Capercaillie but after a rousing performance in Lynn’s Corn Exchange on last night (Tuesday, July 21), I have to say that I’m now a fan.

The eight-piece band was formed more than 30 years go by Donald Shaw and is on a mission to bring traditional Gaelic songs and tunes back to the musical forefront.

Knowing very little Gaelic (apart from the odd word uttered by Jamie Fraser in the Outlander novels) I did worry that I would find the music hard to access.

But my fears proved to unfounded thanks to lead singer Karen Matheson’s introductions and moving renditions.

Her beautiful singing brought to life songs written many years ago about a Scot returning to his homeland to die, a criminal pillaging his way though the Highlands along with a wife’s song about her wayward husband, which was a “testament to the forgiveness of Highland women”.

In contrast the rousing reels performed by the rest of the band created an electric atmosphere in the Corn Exchange.

The packed audience were clapping and foot stomping along to the furious fiddling of Charlie McKerron, accordian player Mr Shaw and Michael McGoldrick on the flute, whistles and Uillean pipes with support from drummer Che Beresford and percussionist David Robertson.

Another highlight was the Gaelic song penned by guitarist and bouzouki player Manny Lunny.

All in all it was a fantastic night and if you ever get the chance to watch this amazing band I would definitely recommend it along with checking out their music.